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Headache and migraine Archive

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Can acupuncture ease your sciatica?

A 2024 study of people with sciatica caused by a herniated disk found that people who received acupuncture for 10 sessions over four weeks had less leg pain and better physical function, compared with people who received sham treatments.

3 stretches to relieve knee pain

Muscles that support the knee-primarily in the legs and hips-need a certain amount of elasticity to work properly. That "give" allows the joints to move through their range of motion easily. If the muscles are tight, they might cause chronic knee pain. Stretching leg muscles can improve flexibility and reduce knee discomfort. Experts recommend doing dynamic stretching before workouts and static stretching afterward. One should consult a doctor if pain persists after a few weeks.

Abdominal fat linked to widespread, chronic pain

A 2024 study found that excess abdominal fat is associated with widespread, chronic pain, especially in women.

Mediterranean diets lower blood sugar levels and slow brain shrinkage

Eating a traditional Mediterranean diet or green Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes more foods high in plant foods, including green tea and duckweed, may help reduce brain shrinkage, a 2024 study suggests.

Can a "weekend warrior" exercise regimen protect your brain?

A 2024 study of more than 10,000 dementia-free people found that fitting the recommended amount of weekly exercise into one or two sessions was associated with a similar reduction in dementia risk as exercising throughout the work week.

Typing and tapping despite hand pain

Hand pain or stiffness makes computer or smartphone use difficult. Strategies to combat this include stretching the hands and fingers, avoiding awkward hand positions when holding a smartphone or computer mouse, taking breaks, alternating the fingers that do the work, and taking breaks. Using certain tools can also reduce hand strain or pain. Such tools include voice-to-text features, a wide-grip stylus, a smartphone holder, gel-filled wrist rests, and a comfortable mouse (which might be bigger, smaller, or vertical) to keep hands from stretching too wide or gripping too hard.

Back pain? Moving more and sitting less may help

People who experience back pain may find some relief by increasing daily activity by 20 minutes and reducing daily sitting time by 40 minutes, according to a 2024 study.

MIND diet may slow cognitive decline

A 2024 study suggested that closely following the MIND diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods and limited animal products and saturated fats, may slow cognitive decline compared to other eating patterns.

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